Sunday, December 27, 2015

It's a Jolly Holiday with Devin

When Mickey is your boss, taking Christmas off is generally not an option, so Christmas 2015 was anything but traditional at the Cottle house. On top of the timing and company being atypical, it was also above 80 degrees and the kids were outside having a water balloon fight. Don't get me wrong, I love warm winters. But Christmas is the one day it seems like there should be snow.

I definitely missed Utah, Christmas Eve nativity reenactments, my family, Christmas jam sessions, and the snow (seriously, that part was unexpected). But as long as we're in Florida I hope this Christmas was the beginning of a few new traditions.

Brad was scheduled for afternoon shifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, so we made the most of our time together. On Wednesday evening we made one last trip to the Magic Kingdom to get some pictures with Devin in front of the castle. I just wanted to soak in the magic of the Christmas lights one more time. We had a hard time finding a window of time when the castle was lit to get pictures, so we didn't get a great one of all three of us, but we were there. That's what matters. And Brad captured a few pictures with Devin and I that made my heart melt.




We opened presents Christmas Eve morning (luckily Devin didn't know the difference) with just the three of us. It was ridiculous how many presents had piled up for one little boy, although many were from loving aunts, uncles, and grandparents (I also wrapped up a few clothes I bought for him individually to add to the pile. I just like how pretty it looks to have presents under the tree). After a nice morning together Brad went off to work and Devin and I spent the rest of the day relaxing and buying a few essentials for Christmas dinner.
Christmas morning we had reservations at 1900 Park Fare, a restaurant at the Grand Floridian, a beautiful Victorian style resort on Disney property. We decided this was a fun way to celebrate together, and we could make it happen around Brad's schedule each year. Rita, our Florida mom/grandma came with us, and we had a lovely visit from Mary Poppins, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Alice, and the Mad Hatter. Devin had a pretty great time, and even had a kiss from Mary Poppins to show for it!

We left breakfast and headed north to have Christmas dinner with the Krause family. They are definitely family we've adopted (they've taken us in on holidays so maybe it's the other way around). We love them so much and it was awesome being able to enjoy some time with them! 
Before dinner started Brad and I logged into Google hangout so we could celebrate with the Randalls from coast to coast, and even in Ireland. I love that my family still finds a way to connect, even when we are states and oceans apart. 
While all the family, friends, food, and celebrating was wonderful, we are most grateful this Christmas that we have a Savior. It is because he was born into this world that we truly have a reason to celebrate. It is through his sacrifice that our little family will be together for eternity. And it is because of him that our hearts and lives have been forever changed, and that we find the joy and peace of Christmas each and every day. 

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